Major Powers Shift to Strategic Exclusion: US, Russia, China Restrict Rival Access

A conceptual analysis identifies a trend among major powers toward 'strategic exclusion'—policies that deliberately restrict rivals' access to markets, technology, and influence. The US semiconductor export controls on China, Russia's invasion of Ukraine to block Western integration, and China's Belt and Road infrastructure deals are cited as examples. This signals a structural shift in great-power competition from engagement to containment, with implications for global supply chains and alliance dynamics.